Media reports spiritual revival in Germany triggered by Benedict XVI

Berlin, Germany, Apr 19, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The
German newspaper Handelsblatt is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI has
triggered a spiritual revival in his native country, which he will
visit for the second time in September.

In a special
edition for the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate,
the German daily noted that in visiting his native country twice in
such a short period of time, the Pontiff has set off a spiritual
awakening among many Germans.

The article in
Handelsblatt points out that the September trip is “not an official
visit, but rather a visit to the roots of his life.” While there
exists among Germans a general euphoria about having the Pope so close,
the article adds that “there is another perspective that many
previously thought impossible and that must be pointed out: this 79
year-old wise man could spark in this moment a revival in the Church in
Germany.”

The newspaper
also points out the impact that Pope Benedict XVI’s visit for World
Youth Day had on young people in Germany “in speaking to them about
frustration, dissatisfaction and love in a way perhaps unlike any other
pastor of the Catholic Church in Germany before.”

“He awoke in
young people especially, who see in the person of the Pope a true
father and pastor, a true wave of optimism,” the article states.